Swarovski Stone Sizes as well as other crystal, stones, rhinestones, and flatbacks are often given the mysterious PP and/or SS sizing. PP and SS size terminology is a throwback from earlier times but is still extensively used by most industry leaders today. You can use our indispensable Swarovski Stone Sizes Chart to easily convert PP and/or SS sizing in millimeters and inches. Where do PP size and SS size come from? Pearl Plates (origin of PP Size) PP Size PP originated from the technique of pearl sizing. PP literally stands for Pearl Plate . In days gone by, pearls were placed into a set of vertically stacked plates. These plates had a series of graduated punched holes in them. As the pearls fell through the holes, they could then be sized and priced accordingly. The plates acted like sieves in the gauging of pearl sizes. SS Size SS stands for Stone Size . Jewelers later developed the SS system for sizing stones. It achieved the same purpose (of sizing and pricing) but

This beaded crochet bracelet is very fun to make and invites an endless array of possible variations in color, yarn type, beads and crystals. This was done in a set: beaded crochet bracelets and finger crochet necklaces. The set is designed to be colourful, modular and interchangeable. Each item can be worn singularly or in combination. There is no need of clasps or fasteners. Not even for the crochet bangles as each has enough of a stretch to go over hands comfortably. This modular crochet jewelry set (CH0296) includes 3 beaded (finger) crochet necklaces and 3 seamless beaded crochet bracelets. How to Make Beaded Crochet Bracelets Beaded Crochet Bracelet Main Materials: Viscose yarn (vintage 1980) from Germany Swarovski Crystal bicone XILION 5329 beads 4mm, 3mm #1 Clover Crochet hook Sidenote: The silky viscose yarn I used is slightly thinner than a 2-ply cotton yarn. illustration: Beaded Crochet Bracelet Illustration to the right is a quick digital translation of my original rough

I love finger crochet cords. They are really fun to make and they can be extremely versatile adapting themselves from very functional lives to very decorative styles. These two pictures below show not only my love of bright colors, my love of finger crochet cords, but also my love of adding beads to them. And need I add, sparkly beads. And what better beads than Swarovski crystal beads right? (When I write up the post on these Finger Crochet necklaces, I will link it from here. Or if I forget, then do a search for CH0296 and you should be able to find that post once it is up.) How to Finger Crochet a Cord One of my early Japanese Crochet Books Finger Crochet Cord is done without the aid of any crochet hooks. They can be made plain (without beads or other embellishments) or with beads, as per illustration above. Anyone can easily learn how to finger crochet a cord. I first came across how to finger crochet cords in my pre-teen days in one of the earliest crochet books I

Thursday, September 26, 2013

It was only 2 days since I wrote Free Google Keyword Tool – 3 easy steps to Keyword Planner where I gave you some screenshots on a shortcut to using the new Google Keyword Planner Tool. (That article has now been updated with new screenshots). And in those 2 days, Google has changed that interface. The shortcut screenshot used to look like: Shortcut to using Google Keyword Planner (OLD) And as of today, it looks like: (NOTE #3) Shortcut to using the Free Google Keyword Tool (NEW) Anyway, this is a short status update just to let you know. Cheers! The post How Quickly Google Keyword Planner Has Changed appeared first on NetWebbing.com.

This is just a quickie post. I was trying to figure out how to capture a screenshot on iPad. I found a great answer and no new apps needed. (Yay!) Just press Sleep/Wake button + Home button. You will find the pic in your Camera Roll. How to Capture Screenshot on iPad Now that was just my quickie iPad tip. You can read the full WikiHow article with step-by-step and lots of pics at How to Take a Screenshot With an iPad. ~ Quickie Tip signing off ~ p/s I am using iPad 2 but I assume this will work for the later iPads as well. The post Capture Screenshot on iPad appeared first on NetWebbing.com.

After I (stupidly) updated my iPad to ios7, I panicked. Then I smacked myself. It seems that there are all kinds of tears and woes since Apple s ios7 has been released. I know there are many more problems and bugs, but the ones I have come across thus far, specifically with regards to my iPad ios7 are: the less than attractive look and feel of some of the ipad interface after ios7 Kindle app losing all its books problem in using video within the standard camera app The Many Woes of Apples Latest and Not Best ios7 One can no longer trust Apple as much as when Steve Jobs was still around. That decline was something I always thought would happen. And it seems to be coming to pass based on my recent experience and from the number of Apple related complaints sprouting angrily on the net and the social networks after the introduction of their latest operating system ios7. My iPad ios7 Woes Admittedly I only have an iPad 2 and no longer have unwavering belief in Apple, but I still cl

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

There are times when it is just handy to be able to easily create WordPress columns in your posts. And without having to resort to endless fiddling or using HTML to create tables (not preferred). This is where Genesis/StudioPress Themes for WordPress is so cool because it already comes pre-built with CSS Column Classes. You can easily have up to 6 columns, just by applying the existing CSS class. (If you don t have a Genesis/MyStudioPress theme but would still like to enable multi-column styling, see Other ways of adding WordPress Columns below.) Whatever Genesis (aka MyStudioPress) child theme you are using, as long as you have the Genesis Framework (theme), you will be able to find this pre-built Column Class in your child theme s default style.css You can search for Column Classes at: WP admin >> Appearance >> Editor >> Styles >> style.css How to create WordPress Columns using the Genesis Columns Classes Since the Column Classes are already pre-built in Genesis, all you have to

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Check Website Rank We all want to know how well our site is doing. The two most famous metrics are Alexa Rank and Google PR (Page Rank). But just reading those metrics can be confusing. What do those numbers mean? Which is more important? What is the difference between Alexa Rank vs Google PR? Which should you pay attention to when you check website rank? Why do some sites seem to have good Google PR but not so great Alexa rank? And vice versa? You might be wondering how I even know which sites have what ranking, right? Ranking Toolbars for your Browser I have installed 2 toolbars that I find really handy. (Since I use the Chrome browser, I got both of them from the Chrome web store.) Both are Free. SEO Status Pagerank/Alexa Toolbar it will check Google PR and Alexa rank of any page you visit. Tip: using this toolbar helps to increase the ranking of websites you visit (including your own) Alexa Traffic Rank Toolbar toolbar is from www.alexa.com Both of these toolbars gives me the

It is sad that the Google Keyword Tool has been replaced by Google Planner. But after a bit of research, the new Google Planner is still very handy. And easier to use than I thought. And it is still a FREE Google Keyword Tool. Instead of sadly lingering over the demise of the old Keyword Tool or spending hours searching for, reading up, and trying out various alternatives (which I have already done), let s find out how to use this new free Google Keyword Tool as easily as possible.

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Brief History of Reality What is Reality In trying to contemplate what is reality, one discovers that reality as we know it at any point in time, changes. Even today, the most prevalent and most solid acceptable form of reality for most people is in the world of the solid and discernible. Reality for many is supposedly only what we can see and touch. Anything drastically out of this solid realm is often pooh-poohed as woo-woo. We persist in seeing ourselves only as solid objects in spite of the revolutionary scientific discoveries in latter years. Reality in Late 1600s and Early 1700s Century: Atom As a result of Sir Issac Newton s work in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, we defined the universe as being made up of solid objects. In the 19th century, Newtonian physics extended that to atoms. We then accepted the view that the universe was composed of building blocks called atoms. Our Reality is made up of atoms? This is where many people have stopped in their conception of ob

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Teasing the Dog This is one of my favourite videos: Teasing the Dog. It is absolutely classic and always hilarious. However this is the third time I am sharing this video. Each of the two earlier times, the video either gets withdrawn (apparently due to copyright issues) or just disappears (from YouTube) for no reason. But because I love this vid so much, I am going to include it again amongst my favourites. The post Teasing the Dog appeared first on shCREDO.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Chainmail Weaves Here is a preliminary list of some of the most popular basic chainmail weaves. List includes level of expertise recommended, the AR (Aspect Ratio) recommended. It also contains links to great tutorials for each of the chainmail weaves. Tip: Good idea to use different coloured rings when first learning new chainmail weaves. It makes the learning process much easier.

WordTracker Free Keyword Tool On 29 Aug, 2013 I mentioned in 3 Alternatives Google Keyword Tool that Google s wonderful free keyword tool had gone kaput no longer available. And I suggested 3 alternative (free) tools (SemRush Keyword Tool, Bing Keyword Research, and UberSuggest Keyword Suggestion Tool). Well it has just come to my notice that the reputed WordTracker now offers a WordTracker Free Keyword Tool. I have only given it a quick run and it seems even better than the 3 keyword tools I previously mentioned. Note; You do need an account to use it. However you can join for free. Keep you login details handy and safe. According to WordTracker s Terms and Condition, you are allowed only one service account. Addendum Just found out that there is a keyword limit to WordTracker s free tool. It is not very clear and they don t seem to inform you anywhere on the page. But according to an email I received from WordTracker there is a limit of 50 keywords (not searches ).

Today s spotlight is on CUTE CATS! from Fried Cats Ceramics. Here are some of the adorable whimsical fried cats: Fried Cats Ceramics Baby Juke The very talented artist is Carole L. Fleishman, from Dallas, Texas. These truly adorable, whimsical unique ceramic cats are delightful. I am not a cat person but I find myself falling in love with them anyway. The prices are quite pricey (usually from upwards of US$300) but they are worth the price for the smiles they garner. I came across Carole s delightful cats on Facebook so to tell you a bit more about her, I will use her own words. About the Artist and her Fried Cats Ceramics I am a ceramic artist and my goal is to create art that is pleasing to the eye and the heart.Current works focus on ceramic sculptures of the Cat, original, whimsical, and a tribute to the Mighty, Mystical, Marvelous Cat. The Cats begin with a lump of clay that I alter and sculpt – ears, faces, and tails – they all evolve as if they each have a life of their

Thursday, September 19, 2013

This is a brief primer on chain mail basics. We will cover the very basic terminologies and provide some clarifying explanations. There are a lot of terminology connected with the ancient art of chain mail, but for now we will just concentrate on the basics. (You will naturally pick up more terminology as you progress). Chain Mail Samples For starters, chain mail is variously spelt as chainmail, chain maille, chainmaille, or just as maille. What is Chain Mail? Chainmail is basically made up of jump rings connected together in various weaves. The rings are interlinked to form a flexible net. Chainmaille is said to originate from the Middle Ages where they are created to from metal armour wear. The word chainmail comes from chain meaning flexible interlinked metal rings. And mail or maille is from a Latin word meaning mesh or net .

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

When Respect Dies, Can Love Survive? What do you do when respect dies and buries the love that once was? And try as you might, each day you see another reason that rips the lingering shreds of respect you once felt. Your fingers are numb from trying to hold on, your temper is frayed. You know you have now started contributing to the accelerated decay. How can you find what you need to find when it seems there are fewer reasons, day by day, to give what was so easily earned once upon a time. What do you do when respect dies? Can love exist without it? Do you not know, have you forgotten your world is but perception, your perception but filtered beliefs? Filtered Beliefs: Impact on Love and Respect I don t respect you because I believe you are: dumb inept less intelligent (than I am) lazy selfish I once respected you because I believed you were: capable intelligent Respect and Beliefs: Q&A Clarifying Exercise Q. Do I really believe you are dumb? Ans. Of course not. I think you are mor

I was envious of my brother s thumbs up emoticon on Facebook and wanted to be able to do my own thumbs up. He told me he uploaded a (free) app for his iPhone and that was how he managed a thumbs up. I like to minimize apps and stuff (coz I forget they exist and just end up wasting storage space on my devices). So of course, Google came to the aid. Thumbs Up Facebook Emoticon There are quite a lot of pages showing emoticons for Facebook but many are for Chats on Facebook which is not a lot of use to me. I wanted emoticons for the general status on Facebook in particular, the Thumbs Up. Anyway I not only found my Thumbs Up emoticon for Facebook but a useful page covering most, if not all of the current emoticons you can use on Facebook generally: All Facebook Emoticons. Yay! p/s Quickie Tip: for the ThumbsUp Facebook emoticon, just type (y)

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

AdSense vs AdWords What is the difference? AdSense vs AdWords AdSense and AdWords are two very popular business products offered by Google. Newbies often find it a bit confusing distinguishing one from the other.

I recently came across a video that was being shared on Facebook. In these times of rampant fear, hate crimes against Muslims, and reactive stereo-typing, it is a balm to the soul to know that there are people who hold on to remaining persons of heart and integrity, and will stand up for the inalienable rights of others in the face of brash, harsh scorn of small minded bigotry. The news coverage and even some of the videos on YouTube have been truncated to focus mainly on the admirable (nameless) soldier who stood up and spoke up for another human being. This video below shows more of the whole episode which is from the ABC series, What Would You Do . What Would You Do is one of the highest rating undercover, hidden camera TV series in recent years. It is hosted by John Quinones and run by ABC. The TV series secretly films how ordinary people would behave under certain situations. It is very entertaining while cleverly throws up ethical considerations that make us questi

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Handmade Beaded Rod, Wire Wrap Cross This is one of my favourite crosses. Was used in Rosary for Mom. Though it looks a bit complex, it is not very hard to make at all. Wire Wrap Cross Smooth 5-hole Spacer Rod For the horizontal arm, I used one of my favourite findings the 5-hole Spacer rod. (I used to sell them so I had my own private stash ) They are very strong, versatile, shiny, with useful large holes. They are A-Grade Silver plated over Brass rods. In this instance, the large holes in the rod were very useful for the making of this cross.

This is not a full tutorial on how to make a beaded cross in Right Angle Weave (RAW). Rather it is an overview with brief descriptions which is meant to provide avenues of possibilities. It does have enough description to provide technique ideas and how to guide on making a beaded cross.

I was constantly running out of crosses once I started making my own rosaries. So I thought figure out how to make some of my own handmade crosses (in 2011). Here is a succinct how-to on making some chainmail crosses.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Handmade rosaries are often made with lots of love and faith. This Rosary for Mom is made with more than the usual love and faith. Handmade Rosary for Mom This is a re-posting from 2011. (Part of moving hosting and website platforms.) I made my first rosary in 2011 and discovered the soothing joy of making rosaries. 2011 was an exceptionally hard year, financially. So I resorted to making my own gift for a very special person, rather than going out to buy one. This Rosary for Mom is extra special as the recipient is undoubtedly extra special. This is also the first time I tried my hand at making my own cross. I wanted the cross to match the rosary. I also wanted a cross that had sparkle. All in all, I hope my special Mom loves this rosary as much as I enjoyed making it for her. Rosary for Mom Work Details I chose to work with Fluorite gemstones. My mom loves violets, purples, and mauve hues. These little fluorite gemstones are tumbled. They are delightfully smooth and r

As I plan another day of mountainous packing, I am humbled and awed when I think back of my mommy. Tiny in physical stature, yet a giant in heart, determination, and inner strength. with my Awesome mom, 1997 I don t know how she managed to do it. I am thinking back on the specific year we moved from Penang to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. A move right across the country, north to south. (That was but one of the many times we had to move.) And there she was, this tiny amazing woman (5 foot minus) with six kids, sans a helping husband. A full time teacher who had to mark student work in the evenings. Six kids all underage. My mom had to wash and cook for this large family, pack up the household and much of the children s belongings. And to add to her woes, like many of us, she is a hoarder of sentimental and crafty goods. (A big hoarder!) Then there was the kids schooling to attend to: dis-enroll from the schools in Penang. Find and arrange enrolment to schools at the other e

Hematite and Moonstone Rosary with Chainmail Cross I made this for a special someone. His birthday was coming up. He seemed to like Hematite rosaries. Very wise of him because hematite gemstone is a stone that is ideal for meditation, prayers, forgiveness, and healing. Materials Used: Hematite Beads round, polished, 6mm Moonstone Beads round, 6mm Wire & Jump Rings silver plated over brass; lead & nickel free Hematite and Moonstone Rosary (CH0217/al)

This handmade crystal rosary is made with clear Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls. The cross is also handmade from the same clear Swarovski crystals with a genuine Swarovski headpin. The headpin is topped with a clear Swarovski crystal, giving a shiny sparkle at the bottom of the cross. The two photos below show a full view of the crystal rosary. This rosary has a purity that is both soothing and cleansing. Swarovski Crystal Rosary (CH0196)

Handmade Hematite Rosary and Cross A hematite rosary is especially valued for its soothing, calming, and healing qualities. It is the hematite gemstone that is said to inherently possess and exude these qualities. Because of or quite apart from these metaphysical qualities, I must say that there is an undeniably soothing to hold a hematite rosary in one s hand. Here, this is enhanced by the polished surface and smooth roundness of the hematite beads. Handmade hematite rosary (CH0216)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Bloglovin a great way to follow multiple blogs you love. Updates from all the blogs you love will be delivered to your email for a leisurely read. I personally prefer signing up for email updates, giving you a more interest-focussed read but you can choose an Email easy signup or just follow multiple blogs with Just saying .

I came across an ingenuous and most entertaining YouTube video while surfing on Facebook. It was shared by my pal Melinda Loh. It made me ask: Who is Ira Glass? and what has he to do with creativity? . This below is the video I first saw Ira Glass on Being Creative . It certainly is very creative!

Friday, September 6, 2013

How to Create AdSense used to be much more confusing than it is now. So that is a good thing. But it can still be a bit confusing getting one s head around AdSense for Content, AdSense for Search, Custom channels, URL channels, and so on. In this guide on how to create AdSense, I will depart from my normal illustrated step-by-step tutorial. Google changes over time and their AdSense interface can change quite significantly. So any illustrations or screen captures I could give you now might be confusing and out-dated by the time you need this information. Instead I will provide links to the most appropriate pages for you. In that way, we can try to minimize the normal information overload, dictated by the numerous hyperlinked articles, that one normally sees in the Google Help sections. Remember, this is written with the aim of helping an AdSense beginner create and apply AdSense ads on his web pages as quickly and painlessly as possible. How To Create AdSense Overview on h